White tower of Thessaloniki

Ο Λευκός Πύργος είναι ένα από τα πιο εμβληματικά μνημεία της Θεσσαλονίκης και αποτελεί ένα από τα πιο αναγνωρίσιμα σύμβολα της πόλης. Βρίσκεται στην παραλία της Θεσσαλονίκης, κοντά στον Θερμαϊκό Κόλπο, και έχει μακρά ιστορία που ανάγεται στους αιώνες.

History

The construction of the White Tower dates back to the period of the Ottoman Empire, around the 15th century. Its original purpose was military, as it was used as a fortress and defensive tower to protect the city from sea attacks. During the years of Ottoman rule, the tower also served as a prison. In fact, at that time it was known as the "Tower of Blood" because of the harsh detention conditions and executions that took place there.

Architecture

The White Tower has a circular shape and rises to about 34 meters. Its walls are up to 3 meters thick, providing strong protection. Inside the tower there are six floors, which are connected to each other by an internal staircase that rotates around the central axis. Today, these floors host various exhibitions and cultural events.

The White tower today

At the beginning of the 20th century, after the liberation of Thessaloniki in 1912, the tower was painted white and since then acquired the name "White Tower". Nowadays, the White Tower is one of the most important tourist attractions of Thessaloniki. The tower houses a museum that presents the history of the city from ancient times to the present day. The view from the top of the tower offers a panoramic view of Thessaloniki and the Thermaic Gulf, attracting thousands of visitors every year.

Cultural Significance

The White Tower is not just a historical monument, but also a symbol of Thessaloniki's identity and cultural heritage. The inhabitants of the city consider it a symbol of the strength and continuity of Thessaloniki over the centuries.

The White Tower of Thessaloniki is one of the most remarkable monuments of Greece. With its rich history and unique architecture, it continues to impress and inspire both residents and visitors to the city. It is a living link with the past and an important reminder of the history and cultural heritage of Thessaloniki.